The reigning Division I state champs hit the gridiron this week to get ready to defend their title.

The Mount Mansfield Cougars won it all last season; it was the program’s first-ever state championship.

This year, the Cougars face many changes, including a new head coach. Nick Michaud takes the helm, succeeding long-time MMU head man Marty Richards who stepped down after last season.

Also, the Cougars graduated 18 players from last year’s championship team.

Watch the video above to hear from the team on how they’re tackling these changes ahead of the 2019 slate.

Mount Mansfield kicks off the new season on August 31 with a home contest against BFA-St. Albans at 1:00 p.m.